I like to cut all the pieces at the beginning so I can make sure I have enough fabric. I keep the small pieces in labeled baggies. This way I can start sewing and just keep on going. When I first started, I didn't select fabric for the borders. Learned early to buy all the fabric I was going to need because it might be sold out when I got to that part of the project. Love, love, love quilting ...

Most of my quilts are from scraps, so I use what I have cut up already and add in from stash if it needs something to pull it together or add more balance. So I guess I'm an 'as you go' kind of cutter.

I usually cut for all the blocks at one time. Any sashings/borders/cornerstones that might be applicable, I do once the blocks are completely sewn. And unless it's a really confusing block or paper piecing, I'll chain piece my block sections, then go to the next unit and so on. But labeling is very important - at least for me. I frequently get lost of I don't label!

I cut as I go to make sure I like the block. I have not have the problem of running out of fabric because I usually buy a bit extra but also know I can usually find it on the internet if I do. I just finished the walking labyrinth and that was a measure 3 times, cut once, sew, measure/square and repeat....

I tend to mostly cut as I go because my quilts have a tendency to evolve into something other than my original idea as I get going on them and discover I really need a lighter color here or that arrangement doesn't look like I expected or whatever. Just part of the creative process for me. That way I don't end up with a couple dozen or more squares or triangles of a size that is no longer the size I need because I changed my mind on what I was doing.

I pick my fabric, check to see there is enough of each selection for the pattern, then I cut as I go for the simple reason that I really don't want to cut the entire quilt and find out as I piece that I cut something wrong.

I like to work a little at a time and build the quilt block by block. Also if I decide not to finish a top I haven't got a whole lot of investment in cut up material.
peace

Pro: You will know up front if you have enough fabric and might be able to run back to the store and buy more while it's still in stock. This has happened to me!

Con: If you cut before making a practice block and you decide you just don't like how it looks or it's harder than you thought or would take too much time - you are out of luck. This has also happened to me - LOL!

Excellent AQ!!! I have done both also. I believe that is how I have some of the UFO's that I do. (lost interest after the first block). There is one thing that I do now that I did not in years past. I like to make sure that I have enough for the binding and now I cut that first.

Life is not a movie. No one is going to yell "CUT" when you make a mistake. - Anne L. Fulton